FAQ & Resources

“Physiotherapist….a patient and caring individual who helps restore movement and function from those affected by illness or injury. Someone who is encouraging and supportive throughout the process and transforms not just your body but your life.”

A physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who specializes in helping individuals improve their physical function, manage pain, and enhance their overall well-being. Here’s a detailed description of the role of a physiotherapist:

1. Assessment: Physiotherapists begin by assessing patients to understand their specific physical conditions, limitations, and goals. They gather medical histories, conduct physical examinations, and use various assessment tools to evaluate movement patterns, strength, flexibility, and mobility.
2. Diagnosis: Based on their assessment findings, physiotherapists diagnose physical problems and functional limitations. They identify the root causes of pain, disability, or dysfunction.
3. Treatment Planning: Physiotherapists develop individualized treatment plans tailored to the patient’s unique needs and objectives. These plans outline specific therapeutic goals and the interventions to be used.
4. Hands-On Techniques: Physiotherapists often employ hands-on techniques like manual therapy, massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation to improve joint mobility, alleviate pain, and enhance muscle function.
5. Exercise Prescription: They design and oversee exercise programs customized to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. These programs target specific muscle groups and are adapted to the patient’s condition and goals.
6. Functional Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists work on restoring patients’ abilities to perform daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of bed. They may employ assistive devices and teach adaptive techniques as needed.
7. Pain Management: Physiotherapists use various strategies to manage and reduce pain, including modalities such as heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.
8. Posture and Body Mechanics: They educate patients on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to prevent injuries and improve posture, particularly in cases of chronic pain or work-related issues.
9. Breathing and Respiratory Care: In some situations, physiotherapists work with patients who have respiratory issues, providing exercises and techniques to enhance lung function and breathing patterns.
10. Balance and Coordination: They address balance and coordination problems to reduce the risk of falls and improve overall stability, which is crucial for the elderly and individuals with neurological conditions.
11. Patient Education: Physiotherapists provide patients with information about their conditions, treatment options, and self-management strategies. This empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery.
12. Preventative Care: Physiotherapists offer guidance on injury prevention, lifestyle adjustments, and strategies to maintain long-term physical health.
13. Progress Monitoring: Throughout the treatment process, physiotherapists continuously assess and monitor patients’ progress. They make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan to ensure that goals are met.
14. Collaboration: Physiotherapists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and psychologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients.
15. Research and Continuing Education: Many physiotherapists engage in research to advance the field and stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices. They also participate in ongoing education to maintain their licensure and enhance their skills.

In summary, the role of a physiotherapist is to help individuals restore and maintain their physical function, improve their quality of life, and promote overall well-being through a combination of hands-on therapies, exercise programs, education, and holistic care. They work with a wide range of patients, from those recovering from surgery or injuries to individuals with chronic conditions or those seeking to optimize their physical performance

Occupational therapists (OTs) and Physiotherapists (PTs), are both crucial healthcare professionals who play distinct but complementary roles in helping individuals regain and improve their functional abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between occupational therapists and physiotherapists:

1. Focus and Scope of Practice:
   • Occupational Therapists (OTs): OTs focus on helping individuals regain independence in their daily activities, also known as “occupations.” These activities encompass a wide range of tasks, including self-care (e.g., dressing, grooming), work-related activities, leisure pursuits, and home management. OTs evaluate how a person’s condition affects their ability to perform these activities and work to improve their skills or adapt the environment to facilitate participation.
   • Physiotherapists (PTs): PTs primarily concentrate on the physical aspects of a person’s health. They specialize in assessing and treating musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions that affect mobility, strength, flexibility, and overall physical function. PTs work to restore or improve an individual’s physical capacity, such as walking, balance, and movement.
2. Treatment Approaches:
   • Occupational Therapists (OTs): OTs use a holistic approach to address the physical, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors that influence a person’s ability to engage in daily activities. They often focus on functional tasks and may provide adaptive techniques, assistive devices, and strategies to make daily activities more manageable.
   • Physiotherapists (PTs): PTs employ various physical modalities, therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and interventions to alleviate pain, improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and enhance overall physical function. Their treatments are typically aimed at improving physical impairments and addressing musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.
3. Settings:
   • Occupational Therapists (OTs): OTs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health facilities, and home care. They adapt their interventions to the specific needs and goals of their clients, focusing on enhancing their ability to perform daily tasks.
   • Physiotherapists (PTs): PTs can also be found in diverse settings, such as hospitals, clinics, sports facilities, and home care. They primarily address physical impairments and conditions that affect mobility, balance, and muscle function.
4. Conditions Treated:
   • Occupational Therapists (OTs): OTs work with individuals who have a wide range of conditions, including developmental disorders, neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, Parkinson’s disease), orthopedic injuries, mental health conditions, and more. Their focus is on improving the individual’s overall quality of life by enhancing their ability to engage in meaningful daily activities.
   • Physiotherapists (PTs): PTs specialize in musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., back pain, joint injuries), neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis), orthopedic injuries (e.g., fractures, sports injuries), and rehabilitation after surgery. They aim to improve physical function, mobility, and strength.

In summary, while there is some overlap in their areas of practice, occupational therapists primarily focus on helping individuals participate in daily activities, whereas physiotherapists concentrate on addressing physical impairments and improving overall physical function. Both professions work together in many healthcare settings to provide comprehensive care and support to patients with diverse needs.

We offer at at-home service right throughout Perth and the Great Southern. Our team also provides assessments and condition management from places such as retirement homes, nursing homes and care facilities.

We run a monthly outreach service to Albany, often visiting clients along the way to and from Perth. We are happy to see client’s locally in Albany or visit home environments.

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral, however, most of our patients are referred to us by doctors, specialists and specialist coordination services such as the Neurological Council of WA.

Visit our contact us page for more details or complete the “Book now” form to make an appointment.

Simply visit our contacts page or hit the “Book Now” button at the top of the page.